Learning The Ropes: Tales From My First Book Fair
When I read the email, I was thrilled. The Arcane Books & Speakeasy approved me as a vendor in their sci-fi book market. I was really doing it! My first step into the book event space. I was unfamiliar with the venue, but the organizers expressed a desire to support writers with favorable commission rates and fee policies.
It was my first book event. And a sci-fi/fantasy specific event at that. It seemed perfect.
So naturally, doubt creeped in. I wondered: should I have researched more into these types of events, or the local bookish community? In my excitement to start engaging readers in-person, did I rush into something I had no idea how to do?
So, I did what I could to get ready. I printed, folded, cut, and glued brochure stands, short story brochures, and display content. I brought a few OOPS! I AM TAMRA copies containing a formatting error to unload, and invested in new merch samples and fresh Ingram Spark copies, error-free (at least, none found yet). I even bought a branded table runner, so even if I failed, at least I’d go out with style.
Of course, I still felt nervous, but ready. There will always be more to learn and another event to hold out for, but I planned, followed through, and committed to gaining the experience to advance my author journey. Now that it’s over, I glad that I did, because I learned at least these three lessons from embracing the opportunity:
1. My readers are out there
The most impactful part of the day was speaking about my book on command and detecting intrigue or disinterest in a person’s response. Some came, stopped, and asked questions. Others passed without a second glance. I’d engage everyone with a broad question to home in on their interests, like “Do you enjoy dystopian sci-fi?” After that, the way I delievered my pitch would either hold them or drive them away.
And both are perfectly fine results. People know what they like to read and what they don’t. They wear it in their expressions and body language when they approach a author table and offer their attention. Many showed signs of genuine interest in my work. They listened and become readers before my eyes. They brought questions and insights, connecting my speculative world to modern realities. Eight were intrigued enough to buy I AM TAMRA.
But I could also tell when people felt my book would not be their cup of tea, a position I understand completely. If an author at a book fair started out with “I write literary fiction,” I may not stick around much longer than the initial appeal. But if you’re writing “Black Mirror” meets WOOL speculative dystopian fiction, then I’m going to want to learn everything about you, and that will be written all over me.
2. Every experience Is A NEw One
Online advice is not always reflective of real life and the best learning experience is often a lived one. Instead of backing out because I was scared of how others might view my approach or experience, I went full-steam ahead to learn for myself what that might look like. I figured any outcome would be a positive one if I could learn from it.
Fortunately, it was also a good experience. The event host was gracious and accommodating, offering vendors free drinks, communicating well, and helping to relocate outdoor participants when the downpour started. I went in trying to keep my expectations neutral, but a good crowd showed up, and I’m pleased with my sales.
More importantly, my first book market experience motivated me to keep going forward. I know not every event will be as successful. Friends and family won’t be there every time to buy merch. Not all book fairs will be sci-fi specific, and I may not always get as much reader attention. But if nothing else, this one small success has made me certain that I’m ready for more.
3. I still have a lot to learn
I went into this book fair with the goal of selling books. The more people that read and review I AM TAMRA, the more authority that lends me as an author when I attempt to publish MY NAME IS GRACE000. But after publishing TAMRA in 2020, I put in little effort to earning it the readers it deserved. Now, I realize that doing better for my second book means doing more of what I should have for the first one.
My partner, Jon, complimented me on my TAMRA pitch, but he noticed that I left GRACE000’s description a little flat. Should I have done more to promote my upcoming book? Would bringing a physical sign-up sheet get people to join my mailing list? Can I give out some kind of bonus material?
Seeing others prepared to answer the questions I couldn’t made me realize how much I could learn from their approach to these events. When a fellow vendor asked where I would be hosting the launch event for my upcoming book, I realized how little I knew about launching a book. But while it stings to realize, knowing I have a lot to learn at least provides me with the impetus to start learning.
Learning from others: a skill to be strengthened
The fantasy author at my side was much more experienced in book markets and kindly recommended bookshops and events to connect with. At her table, passers-by could choose from a bowl of gems to determine their school of witchcraft, described on ribboned bookmarks that were gifted with purchase. Another author nearby matched her table’s dark gothic theme with the dramatic, eye-catching cover art of her vampire dystopia series and a massive banner featuring her original artwork as a backdrop. She also sold books in a dark wrapping to match her brand.
But for the most part, my connections were brief, which brings us to my biggest regret about the event: my hesitance to network. Networking is still a strength I’m growing into, one I hope to get better at the more events I attend. I break out of my shell now and then, but I would benefit from mechanisms to do better. One idea was physical business cards. The comfort of handing over a tactile offering might give me more confidence to approach and connect with authors.
I also would have loved to buy and read every book there, but I hadn’t planned for that, and I tend to freeze up when faced with unplanned decisions. I pulled myself together enough to buy an anthology of sci-fi/fantasy short stories by Oak City Vault, an outlet promoting local talent where I can submit my short stories. But for next time, I think it will facilitate better networking if I go into a book market with a budget for supporting other authors.
So, here’s to next time. I’ll let you know how it goes.
